Category: Ratings Takeaways

April 2020 PPM Data – Information for the April 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 survey period covered March 26 – April 22. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Advancing from fourth to third, Waterloo Media Group-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” is +2.8 in four consecutive gains and crosses the six-share level (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 6.4, 6+). In a bit of a statistical oddity, Entercom’s KJCE has logged either a .3 (6+) or a .4 (6+) in each of the past 15 ratings periods. Flat at #26, “Talk Radio 1370” records a .3 (6+) the third time in a row.

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being down eight-tenths in March/April (7.6 – 6.9 – 6.8, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WTKK “106.1 Stay Connected” progresses from fourth to third. WTKK was a combined +2.3 in January/February (5.3 – 7.1 – 7.6, 6+). After dropping two-tenths in March, Curtis Media Group’s WPTF answers with a +.9 to 2.7 (#16 to #15, 6+). “News Radio 680” was unlisted in January and reappeared in February with a 2.0 (6+).

As a result of three consecutive slips, Capitol Broadcasting sports talk WCMC “99.9 The Fan” is –2.6 and falls under a two-share (3.7 – 3.0 – 2.2 – 1.1, #15 to #17, 6+).

Following three straight spikes that generated a +1.1 (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” falters by -1.0 to 6.1 (second to fourth, 6+).

Three straight improvements by WFYI led to an overall +1.6 (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3 , 6+), but the Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk station spirals by -1.3 to 4.0 (seventh to ninth, 6+).

As a result of four straight gains, University of Wisconsin news/talk WUWM is a collective +1.0 (4.0 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 4.5 – 5.0, eighth to fifth, 6+). Repeating March’s 1.4 (6+), Wisconsin Public Radio news/talk WHAD climbs from #13 to #12.

Norfolk Music Formats – Expunging February/March’s -1.0 (7.4 – 6.7 – 6.4, 6+) with an April +1.1 to 7.5 (6+), iHeartMedia’s WOWI “103 Jamz” continues in the runner-up slot. More than five full-shares ahead of WOWI is Entercom urban AC WVKL (13.6 – 12.6, -1.0, 6+), which is #1 the 17th consecutive ratings period. “Smooth R&B from Yesterday & Today” was –1.5 in February and +.7 in March. Just prior to February, WVKL was an overall +2.7 in three straight gains (11.7 – 12.7 – 14.1 – 14.4, 6+). Its August 9.1 (6+) marked the first time since January 2014 (9.8) that WVKL failed to log double-digits (6+). The 15.5 it posted in August 2018 holds the record for highest 6+-performance by any Norfolk station in the PPM-era. After losing more than 60% (-7.7) of its 6+ AQH share through three straight downturns (12.4 – 5.2 – 5.2 – 4.7, 6+), adult contemporary sibling WWDE “101.3 2WD” picks up one-tenth to 4.8 (6+) and continues at #3. Faltering by seven-tenths each are Max Broadcast Group country WGH-FM “97.3 The Eagle” (fourth to fifth) and iHeartMedia rhythmic hot AC WMOV “MOViN’ 107.7” (1.0, #11 to #14, 6+). “The Eagle” is without an increase the third time in a row for a -1.0 (4.2 – 4.2 – 3.9 – 3.2, 6+); WMOV was up six-tenths in February/March (1.1 – 1.3 – 1.7, 6+). Off one-half share each are Entercom rhythmic CHR and hot AC cluster-mates WNVZ “Z-104 Norfolk Rhythmic Music” (fifth to sixth) and WPTE “94.9 The Point” (flat at #7). In March/April, “Z-104” is down seven-tenths (3.9 – 3.7 – 3.2, 6+), while “The Point” has lost nine-tenths in the same stretch (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.0, 6+). In three consecutive increases, Max Broadcast Group CHR WVHT was +1.6 (2.0 – 2.4 – 2.7 – 3.6, 6+) and crossed the three-share level (3.6) for the first time since July (3.1). While down one-tenth in April to 3.5 (6+), “Hot 100 Today’s Hits Now” nonetheless advances from sixth to fourth. These three Saga Communications-owned properties are unlisted the third month in a row: WAFX “106.9 The Fox – Hampton Roads’ Classic Rock”; WNOR “FM 99 Rocks”; and adult standards WJOI “Joy FM – Great Songs/Great Memories.” WAFX was -1.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.3 – 6.7 – 5.8, #4, 6+); WNOR lost basically half (-4.5) its 6+ AQH share via four consecutive downturns (9.1 – 7.5 – 7.2 – 5.4 – 4.6, 6+), finishing fifth in “Holiday” 2019; and WJOI logged a .2 in “Holiday” 2019 (#17, 6+).

Despite being an overall +.9 in four straight reports without a loss (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9, 6+), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN backslides from eighth to ninth. WLRN was +.8 (December) and -1.0 (Holiday” 2019).

Off four-tenths to 3.0 (6+), Wake Forest University news/talk WFDD exits the top ten (#10 to #11). It had been an overall +1.3 as a result of three successive increases (2.1 – 3.0 – 3.3 – 3.4, 6+). The “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020 topline for University of North Carolinaat Chapel Hill public radio news/talk WUNC is: 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 1.4 – 1.7 – 1.5 (flat at #14, 6+).

Tacking on two-tenths to March’s +1.7 (8.2 – 9.9 – 10.1, 6+), Oregon Public Broadcasting public radio news/talk KOPB repeats at #1. Moreover, KOPB and iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW are now the only Portland stations to achieve double-digits (6+) in the PPM-era.

Portland Music Formats – After surrendering six-tenths in March (3.6 – 3.0, 6+), All Classical Public Media’s KQAC “All Classical Portland” posts an increase more than twice that magnitude (4.3, +1.3, 6+), vaulting from #17 to #7. Its February +.9 curtailed four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). Notching gains of eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia’s KFBW “105.9 The Brew – Portland’s Rock Station” (fifth to fourth) and Mt. Hood Community College-owned KMHD “Jazz Radio 89.1” (#20 to #15). “The Brew” is +1.1 in March/April (4.4 – 4.7 – 5.5, 6+), while KMHD improves by eight-tenths in the same timeframe (2.3 – 2.3 – 3.1, 6+). Up four-tenths in March (3.5 – 3.9, 6+), Alpha Media triple A KINK-FM “Uniquely Portland” craters by -1.7 to 2.2 (6+) and spirals from #9 to #20. Co-owned rhythmic CHR KINK-HD2 regresses by one-half share (.9 – .4, #26, 6+). As a result of four straight setbacks, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW has had its 6+ AQH share vaporized by approximately 60% (-8.3) and shifts from second to third (13.9 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1 – 5.6, 6+). “K-103” was on top four straight sweeps (including sharing the lead in January with public radio news/talk KOPB) before segueing to #2 in March. A combined +6.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.4 – 9.1 – 13.9, 6+), KKCW regressed by -5.4 in January; 13.9 was its highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. Entercom’s KNRK “Portland Alternative Music,” which was +.8 in February/March (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.8, 6+), surrenders an April -1.3 to 2.5 (#11 to #19, 6+). In addition to being an overall -1.9 in three straight downturns (4.9 – 4.4 – 3.9 – 3.0, 6+), Alpha Media CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” fades from the top ten (#9 to #16). Prior to January’s +.7, “Live 95.5” was off eight-tenths via three drops in a row (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+). Trending 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.4 (January – February – March, 6+), Salem Media Group regional Mexican KRYP “93.1 El Rey” drops six-tenths to 2.8 (#12 to #18, 6+). Falling from seventh to eighth, Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie – We Play Everything” is without an increase the fourth time in a row for a net loss of -2.8 (6.7 – 5.9 – 4.7 – 4.2 – 3.9, 6+).

After being a collective +1.2 through three consecutive advances (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+), University of Utah public radio news/talk KUER forfeits one-half share to 2.4 (6+) but stays at #14. Having posted five consecutive up or flat sweeps for a net gain of eight-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .4 – .9, 6+), Brigham Young University public radio news/talk KUMT drops six-tenths (.3, #18 to #21, 6+).

Including its current half-share loss, Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” continues an alternating down/up pattern that began in December (3.0 – 2.6 – 3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3 – 2.8, #13 to #14, 6+).

Locked on .3 (6+) in February and March, Star Development Group Spanish news/talk WRSO “Accion 97.9” erupts with a +1.2 to 1.5 (6+) and enters the top twenty (#17).

Orlando Music Formats – Storming back from March’s -.3 (6.2 – 5.9, 6+) with a +2.1 to 8.0 (6+), Cox Media Group-owned WMMO “98.9 Orlando’s Classic Hits” advances from third to second. Not only is urban AC cluster-mate WCFB an eye-popping +4.3 in three straight upticks (4.6 – 5.0 – 6.9 – 8.9, 6+), “Star 94.5” marches from second to first. WCFB was off a combined six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+). On top the past three months, Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” posts its third drop in succession for a collective -2.8 (9.2 – 8.4 – 8.2 – 6.4, 6+) and segues to fifth. “Sunny” was #1 seven straight sweeps, before dropping to the runner-up slot in December. It was -1.1 (December/“Holiday” 2019); +1.2 (January); and -.8 (February). Four straight gains by iHeartMedia-owned WJRR have resulted in a +1.8 (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8, tenth to seventh, 6+) with “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station” recording its highest 6+-share since last October (4.8, as well). Without an increase the past four reports for a net loss of -1.6 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+), its Spanish tropical sibling, WRUM “Rumba 100.3,” applies the brakes with a +.8 (6.7, fifth to third, 6+). Cox Media Group country-formatted WWKA is an overall +2.8 via four straight spikes (2.9 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0 – 5.7, eighth to sixth, 6+). Co-owned WPYO “Power 95.3,” however, is a combined -1.9 in March/April (5.3 – 4.9 – 3.4, #9 to #11, 6+). Having lost more than three-quarters (-12.0) of its 6+ AQH share in four downturns in a row (15.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 5.7 – 3.4, 6+), iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF “Magic 107.7” departs the top ten (#6 to #11). After dropping six-tenths in March, co-owned CHR WXXL “XL-106.7” erodes by twice as much in April (5.8 – 4.6, -1.2, fifth to eighth, 6+). When “XL-106.7” added three-tenths in February, it curtailed three sweeps in succession without an increase that accounted for a -1.4 (7.5 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1, 6+). Entercom hot AC WOMX “Mix 105.1” follows March’s -.8 with an April -.7 (5.1 – 4.3 – 3.6, 6+) yet proceeds from #11 to #10. Dropping from #16 to #20, University of Central Florida jazz outlet WUCF continues an alternating down/up sequence which includes its current loss of six-tenths (1.1 – 0.9 – 1.4 – 1.2 – 1.6 – 1.0, 6+). JVC Media’s WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country + All Time Favorites,” which was trending 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 (October – November – December, 6+), is unlisted the fifth time in a row.

Spoken-Word Formats – Jumping from sixth to third, iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” is a collective+4.6 as a result of four straight spikes (4.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.2 – 8.8, 6+). Radio One’s WZAK-HD3 debuted in print in November and had a topline of .6 – 1.2 – 1.5 (6+), but it is unlisted the fourth time in a row. After recording a .9 (6+) in four successive sweeps, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer, News-Opinion-Insight” is unlisted as well. WHK was unlisted in July, August, and September, resurfacing in print in October.

Three setbacks in succession by Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” have accounted for an approximately 52% loss (-2.5) of its 6+ AQH share (4.9 – 3.6 – 3.2 – 2.4, #11 to #14, 6+).

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April 2020 PPM Data. Information for the April 2020 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 survey period covered March 26 – April 22. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – It’s hardly a surprise that this marks the third month in a row that the top three (6+) finishers in the Nation’s Capital are from the spoken-word arena. What has changed though is the order as WMAL, which had been steady at #3, elevates to #1. Furthermore, the Cumulus Media news/talk outlet is a collective +5.0 in four straight spikes and reaches double-digits for the first time in its PPM-history (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8 – 10.0, 6+). Its previous highest 6+-share was March’s 7.8. For the 22ndsweep in succession, Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Off three-tenths (8.7 – 8.4, 6+), American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU segues from first to second. “The Mind Is Our Medium” was in a first-place tie with WTOP-FM in February before taking sole possession of the lead in March. WAMU was -2.3 (“Holiday” 2019); +.8 (January 2020); +.5 (February); and +.9 (March). By doubling March’s .4 to .8 (6+), Pacifica Foundation public radio news/talk WPFW checks in at #23.

After gaining eight-tenths to 6.4 – its best 6+-showing in exactly two years (6.4, as well in March 2018) – iHeartMedia news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM “News Radio 1030” loses one-tenth (6.3, 6+) and one ranker (third to fourth).

Three straight improvements by WLRN yielded a collective +1.7 (2.0 – 2.9 – 3.2 – 3.7, 6+) but the Dade County School Board public radio news/talk station is off one-tenth to 3.6 (6+) and exits the top ten (#9 to #11).

Following a March gain of four-tenths (4.4 – 4.8, 6+), Entercom sports talk WXYT-FM “97.1 The Ticket” falters by nine-tenths to 3.9 (seventh to tenth, 6+). “The Ticket” was +1.1 in January and -1.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 4.8 – 3.8, 6+).

Over and above gaining a collective +2.5 as a result of four successive bumps (3.9 – 4.3 – 4.8 – 5.8 – 6.4, 6+), co-owned WWJ “News Radio 950” marches from third to a first-place tie. It is the first time WWJ has hit the six-share mark (6.4, 6+) since May 2019 (6.2, 6+).

Detroit Music Formats – Within 5.0 – 5.6 range (6+) in each of the last six survey periods (5.6 – 5.2 – 5.0 – 5.2 – 5.4 – 5.3, 6+), iHeartMedia urban AC WMXD “Mix 92.3” dials up a +1.1 to 6.4 (6+), advancing from fourth to a first-place deadlock with WWJ (see above). This (6.4) is the best 6+-showing for “Mix” since June 2019 (6.9). Meanwhile, Radio One’s similarly-formatted WDMK “105.9 Kiss-FM” augments its March improvement of six-tenths with April’s +1.0 and leaps into the top ten (3.0 – 3.6 – 4.6, #13 to #6, 6+). Entering the March sweep, “Kiss” was off three-tenths in three down or flat moves in a row (3.3 – 3.3 – 3.1 – 3.0, 6+). In three straight spikes, Beasley Media Group-owned WCSX was a collective +1.0 (5.6 – 5.8 – 60 – 6.6, 6+), but “94.7 Detroit’s Classic Rock” surrenders a -1.4 to 5.2 (6+), segueing from first to third.

Not only is KPBS a whopping +3.7 through four spikes in succession to traverse the eight-share level (4.8 – 5.9 – 6.0 – 6.9 – 8.5, 6+), the San Diego State University-owned news/talk station progresses from second to first.

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April 2020 PPM Data – Information for the April 2020 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s April 2020 survey period covered March 26 – April 22. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Down one-tenth in March, iHeartMedia news/talk WOR “710 The Voice of New York” chalks up an April +1.1 (1.9 – 3.0, 6+) and zooms from #19 to #12. With a gain of two-tenths (1.3 – 1.5, 6+), WABC not only matches its best 6+-showing since February 2019 (1.5, as well), the Red Apple Media news/talk outlet cracks the top twenty (#22 to #20). Without an increase the fifth time in succession for an overall loss of three-tenths (1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .9 – .8, 6+), Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” skids from #24 to #27.

On the heels of its massive March 2020 +1.9, Entercom all-news WBBM-AM tacks on seven-tenths and is #1 the third time in a row. Furthermore, WBBM-AM crosses the eight-share mark and is a collective +3.5 via four straight gains (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 7.7 – 8.4, 6+).

Tacking on an April +1.1 to its March spike of seven-tenths (3.6 – 4.3 – 5.4, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ advances from sixth to fourth.

A cumulative +2.2 in four successive sweeps without a loss (7.7 – 8.4 – 8.7 – 9.9 – 9.9, 6+), Entercom all-news KCBS-AM is #1 the third time in a row. KCBS-AM was on top from September through December, as well.

Spoken-Word Formats – There’s apparently no stopping Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM, which is +5.9 in four consecutive substantial gains (8.0 – 10.0 – 11.4 – 12.9 – 13.9, 6+) and #1 the tenth straight sweep. Moreover, this (13.9) represents the first time in the PPM-era that any Atlanta station has reached the 13-share level (6+). Last month, WSB-AM became the first Atlanta outlet to cross the 12-share threshold. By doubling (+.6) its March stat, Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” reaches the one-share level and cracks the top twenty (.6 – 1.2, #28 to #20, 6+). Likewise, Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” doubles (+.3) its 6+-figure (.3 – .6, #30 to #27, 6+). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” is unchanged at .2 (#32 to #31, 6+).

Locked on 3.3 (6+) in February and March, City of Atlanta Board of Education’s WABE spirals by -1.1 to 2.2 (#14 to #16, 6+). The “Holiday” 2019 through April 2020 topline for Georgia State University news/talk WRAS is: .6 – .7 – .6 – .7 – .5 (#27 to #29, 6+).

Flat at #5, WIP “Sports Radio 94.1” is down one-tenth in back-to-back reports (5.8 – 5.7 – 5.6, 6+). Before falling to third in December, the Entercom sports talk station had been #1 three months in a row. A combined -1.9 in three straight slips (3.3 – 2.9 – 2.1 – 1.4, 6+), Beasley Media Group-owned WPEN-FM “97.5 The Fanatic” drops from #19 to #20.

After being a cumulative +2.1 in three straight gains (3.3 – 4.5 – 4.9 – 5.4, 6+), public radio news/talk WHYY forfeits nine-tenths to 4.5 (sixth to eighth, 6+). WHYY was +.7 in December and -.7 in “Holiday” 2019.

Spoken-Word Formats – After posting a .1 (6+) in August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted the seventh time in a row. Likewise, KKDD did not appear in print in May, June, and July.

As a result of being a combined +2.8 in March/April (6.5 – 7.4 – 9.3, 6+), Northern California Public Broadcasting news/talk KQED elevates from second to a first-place tie. KQED was -1.2 in December/“Holiday 2019 (6.9 – 6.5 – 5.7, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. In three straight bumps, San Francisco Unified School District news/talk KALW has more than doubled (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share (.7 – .8 – 1.1 – 1.7, 6+) and zooms into the top twenty (#25 to #18).

San Jose Music Formats – Through six consecutive sweeps without a loss – including April’s +1.7 – Bonneville’s KUFX is a collective +2.1 (3.3 – 3.4 – 3.4 – 3.6 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 5.4, 6+). “K-Fox The South Bay’s Classic Rock” reaches the five-share level (5.4) for the first time since June 2019’s 5.3 and vaults from seventh to fourth. The three latest moves by Alpha Media classic hits-oldies KBAY are -.5 (February); +.5 (March); and now +1.2 in April (8.1 – 7.6 – 8.1 – 9.3, 6+) as “94.5 Bay FM – The Bay’s Greatest Hits” is #1 the sixth time in a row. This time though it is tied for the lead with public radio news/talk KQED (see above). KBAY was a combined +1.5 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (6.6 – 7.4 – 8.1, 6+). Following six successive months on top, it segued to #2 in November when it plummeted by -2.0 (8.6 – 6.6, 6+). Notching gains of eight-tenths each are iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites At Work” (seventh to fifth) and University of Southern California classical KDFC (#11 to #8). “The Breeze” is a cumulative +2.3 in three straight spikes (2.2 – 2.5 – 3.7 – 4.5, 6+), while KDFC is +1.1 in March/April (2.6 – 2.9 – 3.7, 6+). Off one-half share in February/March (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4, 6+), iHeartMedia urban contemporary KMEL erases the deficit with a +.5 to 2.9 (#16 to #10, 6+). Improving by one-half share as well is Cumulus Media classic rock KSAN (2.1, #21 to #15, 6+); “107.7 The Bone” was -1.1 in February/March (2.7 – 2.2 – 1.6, 6+). Just prior, three straight increases accounted for a collective +1.2 (1.5 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.7, 6+). Alpha Media-owned hot AC KEZR “Mix 106.5 Today’s Best Music” spirals by -2.8 in March/April (6.1 – 5.0 – 3.3, fourth to ninth, 6+). When “Mix” added seven-tenths in February, it suspended five straight sweeps without an increase that resulted in a net loss of -1.3 (6.7 – 6.1 – 5.8 – 5.8 – 5.5 – 5.4, 6+). Following four straight sweeps without a loss for a +1.2 (2.3 – 2.3 – 2.6 – 2.6 – 3.5, 6+), Entercom’s similarly-formatted KLLC “Alice @ 97.3” relinquishes two-thirds of that increase (2.7, -.8, 6+) and departs the top ten (#9 to #12). Elsewhere in the hot AC format, iHeartMedia’s KIOI “Star 101.3” is -2.5 as a result of five consecutive down or flat trends (3.9 – 3.5 – 3.2 – 2.6 – 2.0 – 1.4, #18 to #21, 6+). Fading from the top ten (#10 to #16) is Entercom CHR KMVQ “99.7 Now The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits,” which is -2.5 in March/April (4.4 – 3.3 – 1.9, 6+). A combined +.9 in January/February (2.3 – 2.8 – 3.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KYLD “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” is -1.5 in March/April (3.2 – 2.5 – 1.7, #14 to #18, 6+). After more than doubling (+1.0) its 6+ AQH share via three successive sweeps without a loss (.9 – .9 – 1.1 – 1.9, 6+), Lazer Broadcasting regional Mexican KXZM returns half the increase (1.4, -.5, #19 to #21, 6+). Univision Radio regional Mexican KSOL “Que Buena,” which was a collective -1.4 through three consecutive drops (3.3 – 2.8 – 2.3 – 1.9, #20, 6+), is unlisted the fourth month in a row.

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March 2020 PPM Data – Information for the March 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s March 2020 survey period covered February 27 – March 25. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Not only is KUT #1 the third month in a row, the University of Texas at Austin-owned public radio news/talk outlet has its third successive spike for a +2.9 and hits double-digits for the first time in its PPM-history (7.4 – 8.9 – 9.5 – 10.3, 6+). Its recent (6+) fluctuations include: -2.0 (April 2019); -1.6 (June); +.9 (July); +1.2 (August); +2.0 (October); -.5 (November); +.5 (December); -1.9 (“Holiday” 2019); +1.5 (January 2020); +.6 (February); and +.8 (March).

Austin Music Formats – Off three-tenths via three down or flat moves in a row (1.2 – 1.0 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), Township Media triple A KTSN logs a half-share gain to 1.4 (6+). In addition to having its best 6+-stat since May 2019 (1.4, as well), “Sun Radio” cracks the top twenty (#19). After forfeiting approximately 47% (-5.5) of its 6+ AQH share in January/February (11.8 – 6.7 – 6.3, 6+), Entercom-owned adult contemporary KKMJ “Majic 95.5 Better Music for a Better Workday” picks up one-tenth to 6.4 (6+) and continues in third-place. KKMJ was a combined +6.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.1 – 6.3 – 11.8, 6+) and had a “Holiday” 2019-only stay at #1. In “Holiday” 2019, “Majic” became the first Austin station to record double-digits (11.8, 6+) since it did so in “Holiday” 2017 (12.4). Sinclair Telecable’s similarly-formatted KGSR “Star 93.3” follows “Holiday” 2019’s increase of seven-tenths (2.0 – 2.7, 6+) with three downturns in a row for a -1.0 (2.7 – 2.6 – 2.1 – 1.7, #15 to #17, 6+). A combined +.2 in January/February (5.0 – 5.0 – 5.2, 6+), Crista Ministries contemporary Christian KFMK “Spirit 105.9” craters by -1.9 to 3.3 (6+) and fades from the top ten (#4 to #13). It is the first time KFMK is below a four-share (6+) since July 2019 (3.1). Surrendering in full the +1.1 in gained in January/February (3.5 – 4.0 – 4.6, 6+) with a March -1.1 to 3.5 (6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-FM “93.7 The Rock of Austin” exits the top ten (#7 to #11). Co-owned regional Mexican KLZT “107.1 La Z” continues an alternating up/down pattern that began last August and includes its current loss of eight-tenths (4.3 – 5.3 – 4.8 – 4.9 – 4.8 – 5.0 – 4.7 – 4.8 – 4.0, sixth to seventh, 6+). Following a January/February +1.0 (4.2 – 4.8 – 5.2, 6+), iHeartMedia’s KVET-FM “98.1 The Austin Texas Original” returns 60% of the increase (4.6, -.6, fourth to fifth, 6+). Its January +.6 halted three drops in a row that led to an overall -1.2 (5.5 – 5.3 – 5.2 – 4.2, 6+). Co-owned KASE “Austin’s #1 For New Country” is down three-tenths in February/March (3.7 – 3.6 – 3.4, 6+) and repeats at #12. Up one-tenth in January, KASE was -.9 (November); +.9 (December); and -1.5 (“Holiday” 2019). Elsewhere in the country format, Genuine Austin Radio-owned KOKE-FM “Austin’s Country Alternative” regains the one-tenth it lost in February (1.3 – 1.2- 1.3, #22 to #21, 6+).

In addition to being +1.1 in three straight spikes (6.0 – 6.6 – 6.8 – 7.1, 6+), University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill news/talk WUNC “91.5 North Carolina Public Radio” progresses from fourth to second.

Raleigh Music Formats – The market’s (6+) country share swells by +2.4, with the bulk of that increase coming from Curtis Media Group-owned WQDR-FM. “Today’s Best Country 94.7 QDR” answers February’s loss of six-tenths (5.8 – 5.2, 6+) with a whopping +1.9 to 7.1 (seventh to second, 6+). Unlisted in January, WQDR-FM was previously a collective -1.9 through five successive decreases (6.8 – 6.5 – 6.3 – 5.8 – 5.2 – 4.9, 6+). This (7.1) is its best 6+-stat since June (7.3). Meanwhile, iHeartMedia’s WNCB “B-93.9 #1 For New Country” records its fourth sweep in a row without a loss for a net gain of seven-tenths (2.9 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.1 – 3.6, #13 to #12, 6+) and has its highest 6+-figure (3.6) since October (4.1). The internet stream of WQDR-FM was unlisted in January; reappeared in February with a .5 (#21, 6+); and is unlisted in March. Having dropped one-half share in February to 5.4 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned WRDU answers with a March +.8 (6.2, steady at #6, 6+); “100.7 Raleigh’s Classic Rock” was a combined +.8 in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.1 – 5.6 – 5.9, 6+). Unlisted in January and February, Curtis Media Group regional Mexican WYMY “La Ley 101.1” returns with a 1.4 (#17, 6+). Setting the pace the third time in a row, Radio One urban AC WFXC “Foxy – Today’s R&B and Classic Soul” is +2.0 via three straight upticks (7.2 – 8.7 – 8.9 – 9.2, 6+). After four straight sweeps on top, WFXC shifted to the runner-up slot in “Holiday” 2019. “Foxy” spent 12 consecutive survey periods at #1; had an August-only stay at #2; and returned to #1 in September. January 2019’s +1.1 took WFXC to 11.0, its highest 6+-stat in the PPM-era. An overall -2.5 in four straight downturns (7.5 – 6.8 – 6.3 – 5.1 – 5.0, 6+), urban contemporary cluster-mate WQOK “K-97.5” ends the slide with a +.4 to 5.4 (ninth to seventh, 6+). Faltering by nine-tenths each are Capitol Broadcasting adult contemporary WRAL “Mix 101.5 – The Variety That Makes You Feel Good” (6.6, third to fifth, 6+) and Curtis Media Group CHR WPLW-FM “Pulse FM” (#10 to #13). “Mix” was up one-tenth in February; -1.7 (January); +2.2 (“Holiday” 2019); and a combined -.8 in November/December. In five straight sweeps without an increase, “Pulse” is a collective -1.8 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.4 – 4.4 – 4.3 – 3.4, 6+). As a result of four consecutive down or flat trends, iHeartMedia Greensboro adult contemporary WMAG is -1.7 (2.2 – 1.9 – .5 – .5 – .5, #21 to #22, 6+).

An overall +1.6 through three straight improvements (3.7 – 4.6 – 4.8 – 5.3 , 6+), Metropolitan Indianapolis Public Broadcasting news/talk WFYI progresses from eighth to seventh with its best 6+-stat since August (5.3, as well).

Spoken-Word Formats – Down one-tenth in February (4.8 – 4.7, 6+), Cumulus Media’s WWTN bounces back with a gain of six-tenths to 5.3 (seventh to sixth, 6+). “Super Talk 99.7” was -.7 (December/“Holiday” 2019) and then +.7 (January 2020). Trending 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 – 2.3 (“Holiday” 2019 – January – February – March, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” pushes up from #17 to #16. When WLAC logged a 2.4 (6+) in December, it marked the first time the station reached the two-share level since October 2015 (2.0).

A hefty +1.7 in March enables Oregon Public Broadcasting public radio news/talk KOPB to advance from second to first and nearly reach double-digits (8.2 – 9.9, 6+). Tied for the top spot in January, KOPB has been +.6 (April); -.9 (May); +.5 (August); +1.1 (October); -.6 (November); +.6 (January 2020); and +1.7 (March).

Portland Music Formats – On top the past four sweeps (including sharing the lead in January with public radio news/talk KOPB), iHeartMedia adult contemporary KKCW segues to #2. “K-103” has essentially shed half (-6.8) its 6+ AQH share in three straight dips (13.9 – 8.5 – 8.4 – 7.1, 6+). A combined +6.5 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (7.4 – 9.1 – 13.9, 6+), KKCW regressed by -5.4 in January; 13.9 was its highest 6+-share since “Holiday” 2018’s 16.2. “K-103” was on top in July, August, and September, before slipping to #2 in October. After improving by seven-tenths in February, iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies KLTH “106.7 The Eagle” spirals by -1.0 (6.1 – 5.1, third to fourth, 6+). “The Eagle” had been an overall -3.1 in three downturns in a row (8.5 – 7.1 – 5.9 – 5.4, 6+) and had a November-only stay at #1. By gaining nine-tenths in February, All Classical Public Media’s KQAC pulled the plug on four straight down or flat trends that accounted for a net loss of seven-tenths (3.4 – 3.4 – 3.1 – 3.0 – 2.7, 6+). In March though, “All Classical Portland” surrenders six-tenths (3.6 – 3.0, #12 to #17, 6+). Off by one-half share each are Entercom adult hits KYCH “97.1 Charlie We Play Everything” (4.7 – 4.2, fifth to seventh, 6+) and Alpha Media CHR KBFF “Live 95.5” (sixth to ninth). Six recent (6+) shifts for “Charlie” include: +.6 (September/October); -1.1 (November/December); +2.1 (“Holiday” 2019); -.8 (January 2020); -1.2 (February); and -.5 (March). After notching a January improvement of seven-tenths, “Live 95.5” replicates February’s half-share loss (4.9 – 4.4 – 3.9, 6+). Entering the January sweep, KBFF was off eight-tenths via three drops in a row (5.0 – 4.8 – 4.3 – 4.2, 6+).

Charlotte

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of three straight upticks, Entercom news/talk WBT is an overall +2.2 (3.5 – 4.9 – 5.3 – 5.7, 6+) and advances from sixth to fifth.

Advancing from #14 to #15, University of Utah public radio news/talk KUER is a collective +1.2 via three bumps in a row (1.7 – 2.3 – 2.4 – 2.9, 6+). In addition to notching its fifth consecutive sweep without a loss for a net gain of eight-tenths (.1 – .1 – .1 – .2 – .4 – .9, 6+), Brigham Young University public radio news/talk KUMT cracks the top twenty (#18).

Please note that on March 13, Nielsen Audio released revised local summary and respondent-level data for December 2019; “Holiday 2019”; and January 2020. The internal clock in Lotus Communications-owned classic rock KXPT’s encoder “was not working properly during these survey periods, resulting in atypically low estimates for the station. The revised estimates reflect complete measurement of panelist exposure to KXPT. For stations other than KXPT, AQH persons and AQH rating are not affected, but there may be minor differences in AQH share and AQH rank. Nielsen has determined this issue was isolated to KXPT’s specific device, which has been replaced. There have been no issues with encoders for other stations in Las Vegas.”

It is for that reason some 6+ shares and ranks below are slightly different from Las Vegas “Takeaways” columns in December 2019, “Holiday” 2019,” and/or January 2020.

Recapturing the one-tenth it lost in February (3.3 – 3.2 – 3.3, 6+), Community Communications’ news/talk WMFE “90.7 Public Radio for Central Florida” progresses from #14 to #13.

Orlando Music Formats – Off a combined six-tenths in “Holiday” 2019/January 2020 (5.2 – 5.1 – 4.6, 6+), Cox Media Group urban AC WCFB roars back with a +2.3 in February/March (4.6 – 5.0 – 6.9, 6+), rocketing from eighth to second. Powered by March’s +1.9, this (6.9) is the strongest 6+-showing for “Star 94.5” since April 2019’s 7.6. Country cluster-mate WWKA is an overall +2.1 via three straight upticks (2.9 – 3.9 – 4.1 – 5.0, 6+). In addition to re-entering the top ten (#11 to #8), “K-92.3” has its best 6+-stat (5.0) since December 2018 (5.1). Also cracking the top ten is iHeartMedia-owned WJRR “101.1 Orlando’s Rock Station,” which is +1.6 via three straight spikes (3.0 – 3.5 – 3.7 – 4.6, #12 to #10, 6+) and has its highest 6+-share (4.6) since October (4.8). Albeit -1.0 in February/March (9.2 – 8.4 – 8.2, 6+), Entercom classic hits-oldies WOCL “105.9 Sunny FM – We Own The ‘80s” is #1 the third report in a row. Before segueing to the runner-up slot in December, “Sunny” was #1 seven straight sweeps. It was -.8 (February); +1.2 (January); -1.1 (December/“Holiday” 2019); +.6 (November); and -2.5 in September/October). The dubious distinction of suffering the largest (6+) February 2020 – March 2020 decrease we’ve seen so far in these 36 PPM-markets (-2.2) falls to iHeartMedia adult contemporary WMGF. In fact, “Magic 107.7” has spiraled by roughly 63% (-9.7) as a result of three straight setbacks (15.4 – 8.1 – 7.9 – 5.7, second to sixth, 6+). Not only does the eight-tenths that Entercom hot AC WOMX accrued in January/February (4.3 – 5.1 – 5.1, 6+) vanish, “Mix 105.1” drifts from the top ten (4.3, -.8, #7 to #11, 6+). Forfeiting six-tenths each are iHeartMedia Spanish tropical and CHR siblings WRUM “Rumba 100.3” (flat at #3) and WXXL “XL-106.7” (5.8, fourth to fifth, 6+). “Rumba 100.3” is without an increase the fourth consecutive time for a net loss of -1.6 (7.5 – 6.9 – 6.5 – 6.5 – 5.9, 6+). When “XL-106.7” added three-tenths in February, it pulled the plug on three sweeps in succession without an increase that accounted for a -1.4 (7.5 – 6.4 – 6.4 – 6.1, 6+). JVC Media’s WOTW “103.1 The Wolf – New Country + All Time Favorites,” which was trending 1.1 – 1.2 – 1.3 (October – November – December, 6+), is unlisted the fourth time in a row.

Cincinnati

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above being +3.0 via three straight upticks (7.1 – 8.1 – 8.3 – 10.1, 6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WLW progresses from the runner-up slot to #1 and is in double-digits (10.1, 6+) for the first time since September (10.7). Through three successive sweeps without a loss, co-owned WKRC “55 KRC The Talk Station” is a collective +1.2 (2.6 – 3.3 – 3.8 – 3.8, unchanged at #9, 6+).

Following six down or flat sweeps in a row for a -.8 (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, 6+), Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU picks up one-tenth to 2.2 (#17 to #16, 6+).

Cincinnati Music Formats – After holding the lead position the past two reports, Cumulus Media classic hits-oldies WGRR “103.5 Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” is -1.3 in February/March (11.3 – 10.1 – 10.0, 6+) and segues to #2. Prior to posting a January +2.8, WGRR lost a collective nine-tenths in three consecutive down or flat moves (9.4 – 9.3 – 8.5 – 8.5, 6+). “Cincinnati’s Greatest Hits” was #1 in eight of 2019’s 13 ratings periods: The exceptions were January, August, September, October, and “Holiday” 2019. The station WGRR replaced at #1 – co-owned adult contemporary WRRM – is an overall -8.0 in three consecutive declines (13.1 – 6.2 – 5.5 – 5.1, flat at #5, 6+). In “Holiday” 2019, “Warm 98.5” jumped from third to first. It was a combined +7.6 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (5.5 – 6.9 – 13.1, 6+), with 13.1 its highest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 14.6. On the heels of breaking out a February +1.6, Cincinnati Public Radio-owned WGUC “Classical 90.9” surrenders half that increase (2.7 – 1.9, -.8, #14 to #17, 6+). Prior to February, WGUC was within 1.0 – 1.8 range (6+) in each of the previous 11 survey periods. A combined +2.5 in January/February (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.5, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s WUBE “Get Your Country On B-105.1” returns six-tenths to 6.9 (6+) but continues in third-place. WUBE previously was an overall -2.3 in three drops in succession (7.3 – 6.9 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+).

Cleveland

Spoken-Word Formats – As a result of three straight upticks – including its current +1.4 – iHeartMedia news/talk WTAM “1100 Cleveland’s News Radio” is a collective +3.0 (4.2 – 5.3 – 5.8 – 7.2, eighth to sixth, 6+). Radio One’s WZAK-HD3 debuted in print in November and had a topline of .6 – 1.2 – 1.5 (6+); WZAK-HD3 is unlisted the third straight month. After recording a .9 (6+) in four successive sweeps, Salem Media Group news/talk WHK “AM 1420 The Answer, News-Opinion-Insight” is unlisted as well. WHK was unlisted in July, August, and September, resurfacing in print in October.

While it repeats at #11, Entercom’s WKRK “Sports Radio 92.3 The Fan” is a combined -1.7 in February/March (4.9 – 3.6 – 3.2, 6+).

Steady in ninth-place, Ideastream-owned public radio news/talk WCPN logs its third spike in a row for a cumulative +2.1 and crosses the five-share level (3.1 – 4.2 – 4.4 – 5.2, 6+).

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March 2020 PPM Data. Information for the March 2020 ratings period has been released for Washington (DC), Boston, Miami, Seattle, Detroit, Phoenix, Minneapolis, San Diego, Tampa, Denver, Baltimore, and St. Louis. Nielsen Audio’s March 2020 survey period covered February 27 – March 25. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Washington, DC

Spoken-Word Formats – As was the case in February, spoken-word claims the top three March 2020 finishers in the Nation’s Capital. That trio includes Cumulus Media news/talk WMAL, which is a collective +2.8 in three straight upticks (5.0 – 6.9 – 7.3 – 7.8, steady at #3, 6+). Moreover, March’s 7.8 represents the best 6+-stat in its PPM-history, eclipsing 7.3 posted this time last month. This marks the 21stsweep in succession that Radio One’s WOL “News Talk – Where Information Is Power” is unlisted.

Despite notching its third increase in a row for a net gain of +1.3 (6.9 – 7.4 – 7.8 – 8.2, 6+), Hubbard Broadcasting’s all-news WTOP-FM backslides from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. WTOP-FM segued to #2 in July, following six straight months at #1. Entercom business news WDCH is up three-tenths in February/March (.4 – .5 – .7, #23 to #22, 6+).

Seven recent (6+) shifts by American University-owned public radio news/talk WAMU include: -.8 (8.2 – 7.4, September, 6+); +.7 (7.4 – 8.1, October, 6+); +.8 (8.1 – 8.9, November, 6+); -2.3 (8.8 – 6.5, “Holiday” 2019); +.8 (6.5 – 7.3, January 2020); +.5 (7.3 – 7.8, February 2020); and now +.9 in March (7.8 – 8.7, 6+). As a result, “The Mind Is Our Medium,” which was in a first-place tie with WTOP-FM, now has sole possession of the lead. Before dropping to fourth in “Holiday” 2019, WAMU was on top the previous three reports.

Three recent (6+) trends by iHeartMedia’s news-talk hybrid WBZ-AM are: “Holiday” 2019/January 2020’s +1.4 (4.8 – 6.0 – 6.2, 6+); February’s -.6 (6.2 – 5.6, 6+); and +.8 in March (5.6 – 6.4, fourth to third, 6+). This is the best 6+-showing for “News Radio 1030” in exactly two years (6.4, as well, March 2018).

Answering February’s loss of four-tenths with a March increase twice that magnitude (2.9 – 3.7, +.8, 6+), Boston University public radio news/talk WBUR returns to the top ten (#12 to #10). WBUR cut its December/“Holiday” 2019 -1.8 (4.5 – 3.9 – 2.7, 6+) by one-third with a January 2020 +.6. It is one-tenth ahead of WGBH Educational Foundation public radio news/talk WGBH, which is in alternating up/down pattern that begin in September and includes March’s +.7 (3.0 – 3.7 – 3.1 – 3.3 – 2.7 – 3.0 – 2.9, #12 to #11, 6+).

Spoken-Word Formats – Given that Washington State had the nation’s first reported case of the coronavirus on January 21, it is especially noteworthy to track Seattle’s listening habits. Similar to Washington, DC (see above), Seattle’s top three are from the spoken-word arena. In the case of Bonneville-owned KIRO-FM, it’s been an up/down situation as “97.3 Seattle’s News/Seattle’s Talk” has been +1.1 (January); -1.2 (February); and now +1.2 in March (4.9 – 6.0 – 4.8 – 6.0). Moreover, KIRO-FM progresses from fourth to first. Owing to four consecutive sweeps without a loss, news/talk cluster-mate KTTH “Conservative Talk Radio” is +1.0 (1.6 – 1.8 – 2.1 – 2.1 – 2.6, 6+) and cracks the top twenty (#22 to #18. Although flat at 1.1 (6+), Sinclair Broadcast Group-owned KVI “Talk Radio 570” proceeds from #25 to #22.

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March 2020 PPM Data – Information for the March 2020 ratings period has been released for New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Long Island (Nassau-Suffolk), Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, San Jose, and Middlesex-Somerset-Union. Nielsen Audio’s March 2020 survey period covered February 27 – March 25. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

New York City

Spoken-Word Formats – Despite being off one-tenth to 1.9 (6+), iHeartMedia news/talk WOR advances from #20 to a tie at #19; “710 The Voice of New York” had been up three-tenths via three straight up or flat trends (1.7 – 1.7 – 1.9 – 2.0, 6+). Locked on 1.4 (6+) in January and February – its best 6+-showing since 1.5 in February 2019 – Red Apple Media’s WABC slips to 1.3 (6+) and is anchored at #22. Without an increase the fourth time in succession for an overall loss of two-tenths (1.1 – 1.0 – .9 – .9 – .9, 6+), Townsquare Media’s WKXW “New Jersey 101.5” slips from #23 to #24.

A combined -1.2 in February/March (3.1 – 2.3 – 1.9, 6+), WFAN-FM drops from #17 to a tie at #19 with WOR (see above). The Entercom sports talk station gained one-half share in January to halt three consecutive decreases that led to a collective -1.2 (3.8 – 3.7 – 3.0 – 2.6, 6+). Similarly, WEPN-FM “98.7 ESPN New York” improved by six-tenths in January to curtail three straight drops that accounted for a loss of six-tenths (2.1 – 2.0 – 1.8 – 1.5, 6+), but has lost another six-tenths in February/March (2.1 – 1.7 – 1.5, flat at #21, 6+).

Entercom-owned all-news WINS adds a +1.1 to February’s one-tenth increase (3.5 – 3.6 – 4.7, 6+) and leaps from ninth to fifth. Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM, which was off two-tenths via three successive sweeps without an increase (2.6 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.4, 6+), ends the slide with a half-share boost to 2.9 (#15 to #13, 6+). In March 2019, WINS posted a 3.7 (6+) and WCBS-AM was 3.4 (6+).

Not only is WNYC-FM +1.6 via three straight bumps to reach the four-share level (2.4 – 2.9 – 3.1 – 4.0, 6+), the WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk station cracks the top ten (#12 to #7). After recording a .5 (6+) four times in the last five sweeps (.5 – .5 – .4 – .5 – .5, 6+), co-owned public radio news/talk WNYC-AM logs a .6 (6+), yet backslides from #27 to #29.

Spoken-Word Formats – Owing to three straight bumps, Nexstar Media Group news/talk WGN “Radio 720” is an overall +1.5 (3.0 – 3.8 – 3.9 – 4.5, 6+) and jumps from seventh to fifth. After logging a 2.3 (6+) the last six times in succession, Cumulus Media news/talk WLS-AM drops two-tenths to 2.1 (6+) and exits the top twenty (#19 to #21).

Not only does WBBM-AM share top honors for largest (6+) February 2020 – March 2020 increase by any station in the 12 PPM-markets noted here (+1.9), the Entercom all-news operation repeats at #1. Moreover, WBBM-AM is a collective +2.8 via three straight upticks and crosses the seven-share level (4.9 – 5.4 – 5.8 – 7.7, 6+). At this time last year, WBBM-AM posted a 5.8 (March 2019, 6+).

In an alternating down/up pattern since December and including a March gain of seven-tenths (3.5 – 3.1 – 3.9 – 3.6 – 4.3, 6+), Chicago Public Media news/talk WBEZ zooms from ninth to sixth.

Over and above repeating at #1, Entercom all-news KCBS-AM is a combined +2.2 in three straight upticks and nearly reaches double-digits (7.7 – 8.4 – 8.7 – 9.9, 6+). KCBS-AM was on top from September through December. In March 2019, it posted a 6.4 (6+).

San Francisco Music Formats – Advancing from fourth to third, iHeartMedia adult contemporary KISQ “98.1 The Breeze – Relaxing Favorites At Work” is up an overall eight-tenths via three straight spikes (3.7 – 4.3 – 4.4 – 4.5, 6+). It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for rhythmic CHR cluster-mate KYLD, which was down one-half share in three consecutive sweeps without an increase (3.1 – 2.9 – 2.6 – 2.6, 6+); wiped away the deficit completely with a half-share February increase to 3.1 (6+); and now loses eight-tenths to 2.3 (6+). “WiLD 94.9 The Bay’s #1 Hit Music Station” exits the top ten (#10 to #14). Meanwhile, Bonneville’s similarly-programmed KMVQ “99.7 Now The Bay’s #1 For All The Hits” falters by eight-tenths in February/March (4.5 – 4.4 – 3.7, fourth to seventh, 6+). Entercom-owned KITS “Alt 105.3 The Bay Area’s Alternative” is a combined -.8 in February/March (2.2 – 2.0 – 1.4, 6+) and fades from the top twenty (#18 – #23). The internet stream of hot AC KLLC “Alice @ 97.3,” which posted a .6 (6+) in January and a .5 (6+) in February, is unlisted in March.

Spoken-Word Formats – Over and above being #1 the ninth straight sweep in the headquartered market of the Center For Disease Control & Prevention, Cox Media Group news/talk WSB-AM is an eye-popping +4.9 in three consecutive hefty gains (8.0 – 10.0 – 11.4 – 12.9, 6+). Moreover, this (12.9) represents the first time in the PPM-era that any Atlanta station has reached the 12-share level (6+). Even though it repeats February’s .6 (6+), Salem Media Group-owned WGKA “AM 920 The Answer” falls from #25 to #28. Entercom’s WAOK “1380 The Voice of the Community” is flat at .3 (#29 to #30, 6+), one-tenth ahead of iHeartMedia-owned WGST “Talk Radio 640” (unchanged at .2, #31 to #32, 6+).

Roaring back from February’s loss of one-tenth with a March +1.7 (3.6 – 3.5 – 5.2, 6+), Entercom’s all-news WINS catapults from #11 all the way to #2. WINS was .7 (October); +.5 (November/December); -.6 (“Holiday” 2019); and +.6 (January 2020). Co-owned/similarly-formatted WCBS-AM, which was off three-tenths in January/February (2.8 – 2.7 – 2.5, 6+), answers with an increase of nine-tenths to 3.4 (6+) and enters the top ten (#15 to #10, 6+).

While it is steady at #21, WNYC Broadcasting Foundation public radio news/talk WNYC-FM picks up one-tenth (1.5 – 1.6, 6+).

Spoken-Word Formats – After notching a .1 (6+) in August, September, and October, iHeartMedia news talk KKDD “1290 News Talk IE” is unlisted the sixth time in a row. Likewise, KKDD did not appear in print in May, June, and July.

Up three-tenths (1.0 -1.3, 6+), San Bernardino Community College public radio news/talk KVCR carries on at #12. Pasadena City College news/talk KPCC “The Voice of Southern California” repeats February’s .3 (6+) and #17 ranker.

Riverside Music Formats – Notching gains of one-half share each are KFRG “K-Frog 95.1” (4.8 – 5.3, steady in third-place, 6+) and All-Pro Broadcasting-owned KHTI “Hot 103.9 The I.E.’s Best Mix” (1.4, #14 to #11, 6+). “K-Frog” was a collective +1.5 via three bumps in a row (3.7 – 4.1 – 4.6 – 5.2, 6+), before dropping four-tenths in February. The Entercom country outlet reached the five-share level in January (5.2, 6+) for the first time since July (5.1). “Hot 103.9” had been trending .9 – .8 – .9 (“Holiday” 2019 – January 2020 – February, 6+). Even though it wipes away January’s +.9 (7.0 – 7.9, 6+) in its entirety with a February/March -.9 (7.9 – 7.5 – 7.0, 6+), Entravision Spanish adult hits KLYY “Jose” is #1 the sixth time in a row. January’s increase interrupted December/“Holiday” 2019’s -1.2 (8.2 – 7.9 – 7.0, 6+). KLYY was up one-half share in November. December 2018’s 10.5 marked the first time any Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario station reached double-figures (6+) since April 2015, when “Jose” recorded a 10.4. Univision Radio Spanish contemporary KLVE “107.5 K-LOVE,” which was +1.4 in January/February (2.2 – 2.8 – 3.6, 6+), forfeits six-tenths to 3.0 (fifth to seventh, 6+). KLVE was locked on 3.1 (6+) in November and December, and faltered by nine-tenths in “Holiday” 2019. Educational Media Foundation-owned contemporary Christian KLRD “Air 1 – Worship Now” (1.6, #11, June 2019, 6+) and co-owned/similarly-formatted KKLQ “Positive, Encouraging 100.3” (.7, #15, June 2019, 6+) – are unlisted the tenth time in a row.

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February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for Austin, Raleigh, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, Nashville, Providence, Norfolk, Jacksonville, West Palm Beach, Greensboro, Memphis, and Hartford. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Austin

Spoken-Word Formats – Directly following three straight decreases that led to a collective -1.4 (5.0 – 4.6 – 4.5 – 3.6, 6+), Sinclair Telecable-owned KLBJ-AM “News Radio 590” is a combined +1.0 in January/February (3.6 – 4.5 – 4.6, eighth to seventh, 6+). October’s 5.0 was KLBJ-AM’s best 6+-performance in more than six years (5.0, as well, June 2013). Up or flat the past five sweeps for a net gain of one-tenth (.3 – .3 – .3 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+), Entercom’s KJCE “Talk Radio 1370” drops one-tenth to .3 (6+), but remains at #26.

The market’s four major sports talkers are separated by one-half share in February, versus six-tenths of a share in January. Surrendering the one-tenth it picked up this time last month (-.9 – 1.0 – .9, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WRNW “97.3 The Game – Milwaukee’s Sports Talk That Rocks” is flat at #14. In a similar vein, Good Karma Brands’ WKTI “94.5 ESPN” forfeits January’s +.2 (.8 – 1.0 – .8, #14 to #16, 6+). It is tied with Entercom’s WSSP “Sports Radio 105.7 The Fan,” which is down one tenth (.9 – .8, steady at #16, 6+). Flat at #21, iHeartMedia’s WOKY “The Big 920” has lost three-tenths in five straight sweeps without an increase (.7 – .6 – .5 – .4 – .4 – .4, 6+).

Milwaukee Music Formats – January’s deadlock at the top is broken with an exclamation point as iHeartMedia classic hits-oldies WRIT “95.7 Big FM Milwaukee’s Greatest Hits” posts a +1.0 (7.9 – 8.9), while Entercom hot AC WMYX “99.1 The Mix” falters by nine-tenths (7.9- 7.0). Whereas WRIT is #1 the fifth time in a row, “Mix” has a January-only stay at the top and segues to #2. Plummeting by -3.9 in January (11.8 – 7.9, 6+), WRIT spent four straight months at #1 before slipping to the runner-up slot in October. “Holiday” 2019’s 11.8 is the strongest 6+-stat for any Milwaukee station since WRIT’s 11.6 in “Holiday” 2017. Its recent (6+) moves include: -1.9 (January 2019); +.6 (February); -.8 (March); +.7 (April); -1.5 (May); +.8 (June); -1.3 (October); -.5 (November); +4.0 (“Holiday” 2019); -3.9 (January 2020); and +1.0 (February). After posting an increase of seven-tenths in back-to-back sweeps (6.2 – 6.9 – 7.6, 6+), “Mix” faltered by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019 but notched a +1.8 in January (6.1 – 7.9, 6+). Prior to December (7.6), the last time WMYX reached the seven-share level was in November 2015 (7.0, 6+). A cumulative +6.2 as a result of three bumps in a row (5.2 – 5.7 – 6.8 – 11.4, 6+), Milwaukee Radio Alliance adult contemporary WLDB “B-93.3” is -4.4 in January/February (11.4 – 7.3 – 7.0, 6+), but advances from third to second. In “Holiday” 2019, “B-93.3” reached double-digits (11.4, 6+) for the first time since “Holiday” 2018 (10.3). In three downturns in succession, iHeartMedia-owned WMIL was a collective -2.1 (7.2 – 7.0 – 6.5 – 5.1, 6+) but “FM 106.1 Milwaukee’s Best Country” is now +1.4 in January/February (5.1 – 6.2 – 6.5, steady at #4, 6+). Ever since Magnum Media’s WRJN “Your Radio Friend” debuted in print this past December, it has tripled (+.6) its 6+ AQH share, posting a topline of: .3 – .3 – .4 – .9 (6+). The hybrid classic-hits oldies/information outlet zooms from #20 to #14. With their “Holiday” 2019 (6+) AQH share and market rank information in parentheses, the following Saga Communications stations are unlisted the second month in a row: WKLH “96.5 Milwaukee’s Hometown Rock” (5.6, fifth, 6+); WHQG “102.9 The Hog Everything That Rocks” (4.7, eighth, 6+); urban AC WJMR “Jammin’ 98.3” (3.2, #13, 6+); and rhythmic CHR WNRG “Energy 106.9” (1.5, #15, 6+).

Nashville

Spoken-Word Formats – Sevens are wild for Cumulus Media’s WWTN “Super Talk 99.7,” which was -.7 in December/“Holiday” 2019 (4.8 – 4.7 – 4.1 –, 6+); +.7 to 4.8 (January 2020, 6+); and now down one-tenth to 4.7 (#8 to #7, 6+). Entering the December sweep, WWTN was +1.7 in six up or flat sweeps in a row (3.1 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 3.6 – 3.7 – 4.2 – 4.8, 6+). Trending 2.0 – 2.3 – 2.2 (“Holiday” 2019 – January – February, 6+), iHeartMedia’s WLAC “Talk Radio 1510” remains at #17. When WLAC logged a 2.4 (6+) in December, it marked the first time the station reached the two-share level in more than four years (2.0, October 2015).

Spoken-Word Formats – Even though it is down or flat the fifth straight time for a net loss of three-tenths (2.2 – 2.2 – 2.2 – 2.1 – 1.9 – 1.9, 6+), Max Broadcast Group sports talk WVSP “ESPN Radio 94.1” nonetheless pushes up from tenth to ninth.

Spoken-Word Formats – Notwithstanding that it is a cumulative +2.3 through three upticks in succession (8.1 – 8.3 – 9.8 – 10.4, 6+), Cox Media Group news/talk WOKV-FM “104.5 Jacksonville’s News, Weather, and Traffic” segues from a tie at #1 to #2. WOKV-FM had been the market leader from July through November and is in double-digits (6+) for the first time since September (10.4, as well).

After being -.8 (October/November, 6+); +.8 (December); and -1.0 (Holiday” 2019), Dade County School Board public radio news/talk WLRN is a combined +.9 in January/February (2.0 – 2.5 – 2.9, tenth to ninth, 6+).

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February 2020 PPM Data – Information for the February 2020 ratings period has been released for Portland, Charlotte, San Antonio, Sacramento, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, Orlando, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Kansas City, and Columbus; a technical glitch has affected the Las Vegas report. Nielsen Audio’s February 2020 survey period covered January 30 – February 26. Managing editor Mike Kinosian (Kinosian@TALKERS.com) provides his “Takeaways” from the PPM-markets below.

Spoken-Word Formats – On the heels of January’s robust +2.7 to 8.6 (6+), iHeartMedia-owned KFBK sheds two-tenths to 8.4 (6+). At this time last month, “Sacramento’s News, Weather and Traffic Station” was in a first-place tie but it now has sole possession of the lead. Flat at 2.2 (6+), following January’s +.7, co-owned KSTE “Talk 650” slips from #14 to #15.

After picking up three-tenths in January, Capital Public Radio news/talk KXJZ relinquishes all of it (4.4 – 4.7 – 4.4, 6+) and slips from seventh to eighth. December 2018’s 6.9 is the highest 6+-stat in its PPM-history.

Sacramento Music Formats – When KZZO “Now 100.5 Today’s Best Hits” notched an increase of two-tenths in January, it suspended three straight decreases that led to a -1.8 (4.4 – 3.8 – 3.5 – 2.6, 6+). The Bonneville hot AC tacks on nine-tenths to 3.7 (6+) and jumps from #13 to #11. Chalking up a February +.9 as well is Entercom-owned KRXQ “98 Rock” (fifth to fourth), which is +1.4 via three straight upticks (4.8 – 5.2 – 5.3 – 6.2, 6+). Whereas iHeartMedia adult contemporary KBEB “92.5 The Breeze” posts a +.6 (4.2 – 4.8, ninth to seventh, 6+), Bonneville’s similarly-formatted KYMX “Mix 96” falters by -1.0 (fourth to sixth). “The Breeze” has been a combined +.9 (August/September); -.9 (October); +.6 (November); -.8 (December/“Holiday” 2019); and +1.1 (January/February). Through four consecutive spikes, “Mix” tripled (+8.4) its 6+ AQH share (4.2 – 4.5 – 4.5 – 6.1 – 12.6, 6+), with 12.6 representing its largest 6+-stat since “Holiday” 2018’s 13.8. While it was #1 in “Holiday” 2019, KYMX is -7.6 in January/February (12.6 – 6.0 – 5.0, 6+). In the 17 reports since KBEB’s format switch from country to AC in mid-November 2018, “Mix” has prevailed 15 times; “The Breeze” has come on top once (September, 4.8 to 4.2, 6+); and the two AC rivals were tied in November 2019. In addition to KBEB, its classic rock sibling, KYRV “93.7 The River,” improves by six-tenths (5.1, eighth to fifth, 6+) as well. The increase suspends three straight losses that led to a -.6 (5.1 – 4.8 – 4.7 – 4.5, 6+). In three successive bumps, KSFM was +1.8 and crossed the four-share level (3.1 – 3.2 – 3.8 – 4.9, 6+), but the Entercom-owned rhythmic CHR regresses by eight-tenths to 4.1 (sixth to ninth, 6+). Even though Entravision Spanish adult hits KXSE logs its sixth up or flat report in succession for an overall increase of nine-tenths (1.2 – 1.2 – 1.4 – 1.4 – 1.5 – 2.0 – 2.1, 6+),“La Suavecita 104.3” slips from #15 to #16. Mirroring iHeartMedia news/talk KFBK’s (6+) January 5.9 – 8.6, +2.7, third to first move (see above), Bonneville-owned KNCI “New Country 105.1” surrenders one-half share to 8.1 (6+) and shifts from a first-place tie to the runner-up slot. KNCI had a December-only stay at #1, as it plummeted by -1.5 in “Holiday” 2019. Entering the “Holiday” 2019 sweep, “New Country 105.1” was up or flat three times in a row for a net gain of one-half share (6.9 – 7.3 – 7.4 – 7.4, 6+). Owing to five sweeps in a row without an increase, iHeartMedia urban-rhythmic oldies KHYL “V-101” is a cumulative -1.7 (4.5 – 3.9 – 3.5 – 3.5 – 2.9 – 2.8, #12 to #13, 6+). After doubling (+1.3) its 6+-stat through three consecutive gains (1.3 – 1.7 – 2.0 – 2.6, 6+), LotusCommunications regional Mexican KVMX-FM “La Ranchera” is now an overall -1.4 in three drops in a row (2.6 – 2.5 – 1.5 – 1.2, flat at #18, 6+).

This is the sixth sweep in a row without an increase for Cincinnati Public Radio news/talk WVXU, which has lost eight-tenths in that timeframe (2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.9 – 2.4 – 2.4 – 2.1, #14 to #17, 6+).